Connector module

ABSTRACT

A connector module permits termination of cross-connect wires on one surface (front) and cable wires on an opposite surface (rear). The module exhibits a configuration, which permits test access and protector (i.e., protection module) mounting from the front surface. The jumper wires are inserted from a side surface through wire guides or channels that bring the wires from the side surface to the front surface where the wires can be terminated without impeding insertion and removal of protection modules from the front of the connector module. There is an intermediate surface below the front surface that is accessible from the front and recessed to allow protection modules to be installed completely below the terminated wires, allowing termination and maintenance of jumper wires after the protection module is installed from the front.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to connector modules used in thetelecommunications industry, and more particularly relates to connectormodules and blocks which receive protection modules to protectelectrically telecommunications equipment connected thereto.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the telecommunications industry, connector blocks comprising an arrayof insulation displacement contacts are typically used in centraloffices, building entrance terminals, and outside plant cabinets forelectrical connection between cables and cross connect wiring. Oneexample is the standard 110-connector block (see, for example, U.S. Pat.No. 3,798,587, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference). Such connector blocks usually are formed from a plurality ofparallelly arranged connector modules. Some connector modules includeslots for mounting protectors (i.e., protection modules) which areelectrically connected to the contacts (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.4,171,857 and 4,283,103, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference). Such connector modules are inconvenient to theuser because the protection modules must usually be removed to add,move, or remove jumper wires.

To improve connection density, some connector modules includeterminations on two surfaces. One such connector module has provisionsto install protectors on either the front or rear surface of the module(see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,689, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference). Such connector modules make it moreconvenient to add, move, or remove jumper wires because the protectordoes not have to be removed to add, move, or remove jumper wires.However, such connector modules have the disadvantage of requiringaccess to the rear of the module to add, remove, or replace protectors.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector modulefor use in a telecommunications system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connectormodule which receives protectors that need not be removed when theconnector module requires wiring changes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a connectormodule which receives protectors and wherein the protectors andconnector wiring is easily accessible from the same side of theconnector module.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide aconnector module and protection module cooperating therewith.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide aconnector module for a telecommunications system which overcomes theinherent disadvantages of known connector modules.

The invention is a connector module, which in one form of the presentinvention includes two rows of contacts mounted within an insulatinghousing having a front, an intermediate, and a rear surface. Eachcontact includes an end portion, which is capable of providingelectrical connection to wires. The intermediate surface has slots toaccept the protector, which can be installed from the front of themodule. This configuration allows the convenience of easily maintainingjumper wires with front mounted protectors that can stay in place duringsuch maintenance. Various cooperating protection modules (i.e.,protectors) are disclosed herein and form part of the present invention.

A preferred form of a first embodiment formed in accordance with thepresent invention of a connector module modules therefor is illustrated,for example, by FIGS. 1-12 of the drawings. The connector module for atelecommunications system has a main body portion which includes a frontcap and a rear cap opposite the front cap. The front cap and the rearcap reside in different planes and are elevationally offset from eachother to define a middle portion. The middle portion has a front facingsurface recessed from the front cap. The front cap defines the front ofthe connector module. The rear cap defines the opposite rear of theconnector module. At least the front cap has a plurality of slits formedtherein. The rear cap may also have a plurality of slits formed therein.

The connector module further includes a plurality of first electricalcontacts which are at least partially disposed within the front cap ofthe main body portion. The connector module may further include aplurality of second electrical contacts which are at least partiallydisposed within the rear cap of the main body portion. Each firstelectrical contact of the plurality of first electrical contacts isaligned with a respective slit formed in the front cap. Similarly, eachsecond electrical contact of the plurality of second electricalcontacts, if included, is aligned with a slit formed in the rear cap.Each first electrical contact has a portion thereof which is exposedthrough the respective slit to which it is aligned and, therefore, iselectrically contactable with a wire received by the corresponding slitformed in the front cap. Similarly, if provided, the second electricalcontacts are aligned with respective slits formed in the rear cap andare, therefore, electrically contactable with a wire received by acorresponding slit formed in the rear cap.

The main body portion has an upper surface for supporting a plurality ofprotection modules thereon between the front cap and the front facingsurface of the middle portion. The depth of the upper surface betweenthe front cap and the front facing surface of the middle portion isdimensioned to be at least equal to the longitudinal length of theprotection modules so that the protection modules, when supported on theupper surface of the main body portion, have no portion thereofoverlying the plurality of slits formed in the front cap. In thismanner, the protection modules do not interfere with the placement andremoval of wires respectively into and from the plurality of slitsformed in the front cap and the selective electrical connection with theplurality of first electrical contacts while the protection modules aresupported on the main body portion of the connector module.

Each protection module of the plurality of protection modules associatedwith the aforementioned connector module is selectively in electricalcommunication with at least one first electrical contact of theplurality of first electrical contacts when the protection module issupported on the main body of the connector module. The protectionmodules may similarly be in electrical communication with the secondelectrical contacts if such are provided. Each protection module of theplurality of protection modules has a longitudinal length which is equalto or less than (that is, at most equal to) a distance between the frontfacing surface of the middle portion of the connector module and thefront cap of the connector module so as not to overlie a correspondingslit of the plurality of slits formed in the front cap and so as not tointerfere with the placement and removal of wires respectively into andfrom the plurality of slits and the selective electrical connection withthe plurality of first electrical contacts while the protection modulesare supported on the main body of the connector module.

The front facing surface of the middle portion may include a pluralityof openings formed therein for receiving outwardly extending portions ofthe protection modules. The front facing surface may further includeground contacts extending outwardly therefrom for being received bycorresponding openings formed in the protection modules.

The main body portion of the connector module may further include aplurality of guide channels formed therein for receiving respectivewires for connection to the plurality of first electrical contacts. Evenmore specifically, the main body portion may further include oppositelateral side walls, wherein at least one of the opposite lateral sidewalls has formed therein a plurality of side openings. A plurality offront openings may further be included and formed in the front cap ofthe main body portion. Each front opening is situated in close proximityto the exposed portion a respective first electrical contact and to acorresponding slit formed in the front cap. The side openings and frontopenings communicate with respective guide channels to allow electricalwires to be received by the side openings, guide channels and frontopenings for routing of the wires to the first electrical contacts atthe plurality of slits formed in the front cap.

The connector module may further include structure on the protectionmodule supporting surface for retaining the protection modules in placeon the supporting surface. Such retaining structure may include aplurality of projections extending outwardly from the supportingsurface, the projections selectively lockingly engaging the protectionmodules positioned on the supporting surface to selectively secure theprotection modules thereto. Such projections may have a dovetailconfiguration in transverse cross-section.

Another form of a connector module and associated protection modulestherefor, in accordance with a second embodiment of the presentinvention, is illustrated, for example, by FIGS. 13-17 of the drawings.Each protection module of the plurality of protection modules has ahousing defining a cavity therein, a carrier at least partially residingin the housing, and protection components mounted on the carrier. Thehousing has a lower wall through which an extended portion of thecarrier protrudes. The extended portion of the carrier has exposedelectrical contacts situated thereon.

The connector module which works in conjunction with the protectionmodules just described, includes an insulating housing having a rearcontact holder portion and a front contact housing joined to the rearcontact holder portion. A plurality of rear electrical contacts are atleast partially housed by the rear contact holder portion. A pluralityof front electrical contacts are at least partially housed by the frontcontact housing. Either the front contact housing or the rear contactholder portion, or both, has an upper surface and a plurality of groovesformed in the upper surface thereof. Each groove is positioned inproximity to a respective front electrical contact and a respective rearelectrical contact such that portions of the respective front electricalcontact and rear electrical contact are exposed and extend partiallyinto the respective groove. A protection module is selectively mountableon the upper surface of the front contact housing or rear contact holderportion, or both, such that the extended portion of the carrier thereofis slidably receivable in a respective groove formed in the uppersurface, with the contacts on the extended portion being positionable inelectrical contact with at least one of the front electrical contactsand with at least one of the rear electrical contacts of the connectormodule.

At least the front contact housing has a plurality of slits formedtherein. The rear contact holding portion may also include a pluralityof slits formed therein. Each front electrical contact is aligned with acorresponding slit in the front contact housing and has a portionthereof which is exposed through the slit so that it is electricallycontactable with a wire received by the corresponding slit. If rearslits are included, and if rear electrical contacts are included, therear electrical contacts have portions thereof exposed throughcorresponding rear slits so that they, too, may be electricallycontactable with a wire received by a corresponding rear slit with whicha respective rear contact is aligned.

The upper surface on which the protection modules are mounted and inwhich the grooves are formed has a depth measured from the exposedportions of the front electrical contacts backward in the direction ofthe rear contact holder portion which is particularly dimensioned to beequal to or greater than the longitudinal length of each protectionmodule. In this manner, when the protection modules are mounted on theupper surface, the protection modules have no portion thereof overlyingthe plurality of slits in the front contact housing or overlying thefront electrical contact portions which are exposed within the slits soas not to interfere with the placement and removal of wires respectivelyinto and from the plurality of slits and the selective electricalconnection with the plurality of front electrical contacts while theprotection modules are mounted on the upper surface of the rear contactholder portion or the front contact housing, or both.

Even more preferably, each groove formed in the upper surface on whichthe protection modules rest is positioned between respective adjacentfront electrical contacts and between respective adjacent rearelectrical contacts such that portions of the respective adjacent frontelectrical contacts and portions of the respective adjacent rearelectrical contacts are exposed and extend partially into the respectivegroove therebetween. The carrier of the protection Module preferablyincludes opposite sides on which the exposed electrical contacts aresituated for electrically contacting the exposed portions of therespective adjacent front electrical contacts and the exposed portionsof the respective adjacent rear electrical contacts.

The connector module may further include an outer housing joined to thefront contact housing or the rear contact holder portion, or both, andsituated to at least partially overlie the upper surface on which theprotection modules rest. The outer housing has a top wall which ispreferably spaced apart from the upper surface a distance such that theplurality of protection modules is closely received between the top wallof the outer housing and the upper surface on which the protectionmodules rest. Such structure helps retain the protection modules inplace on the upper surface.

Another form of a connector module and associated protection modulestherefor is illustrated, for example, by FIGS. 18-21 of the drawings.The protection modules have a housing defining a cavity therein, acarrier residing in the housing, protection components mounted on thecarrier and electrical contacts electrically connected to the carrier.The electrical contacts are in electrical communication with the carrierand protection components mounted thereon. The protection module housingincludes a wall, such as a lower wall, that has openings formed throughthe thickness thereof. The electrical contacts are situated to at leastpartially extend through the openings formed in the wall of theprotection module to define exposed portions of the electrical contacts.

The connector module includes an insulated housing having an outerhousing, a front contact housing and a rear contact housing. The outerhousing defines an interior chamber in which is at least partiallyreceived the front contact housing and the rear contact housing. Theouter housing has a top wall, and at least one of the front contacthousing and the rear contact housing, or both, includes an upper surfaceon which is mountable the plurality of protection modules. The top wallof the housing and the upper surface of the front or rear contacthousing, or both, define a space therebetween which is dimensioned toreceive therein the plurality of protection modules.

The connector module further includes a plurality of front electricalcontacts and a plurality of rear electrical contacts. The front contacthousing at least partially houses the plurality of front electricalcontacts, and the rear contact housing at least partially houses theplurality of rear electrical contacts. Portions of the front electricalcontacts and the rear electrical contacts respectively extend from thefront contact housing and the rear contact housing and are exposedwithin the interior chamber of the outer housing to define exposedcontact portions. The exposed contact portions of a respectiveprotection module electrical contact is contactable with the exposedcontact portions of respective front and rear electrical contacts of theconnector module when the respective protection module is received bythe interior chamber of the outer housing.

At least the front contact housing has a plurality of slits formedtherein. As in the other embodiments described previously, the rearcontact housing may also have a plurality of slits formed therein. Eachfront electrical contact is aligned with a corresponding slit and has aportion thereof which is exposed through the corresponding slit and is,therefore, electrically contactable with a wire received by-thecorresponding slit. The upper surface on which the protection modulesare mountable has a depth measured from the exposed portions of thefront electrical contacts backward in the direction of the rear contacthousing which is particularly dimensioned to be equal to or greater than(that is, at least equal to) the longitudinal length of each protectionmodule such that, when the protection modules are mounted on the uppersurface, the protection modules have no portion thereof overlying theplurality of slits and the front electrical contact portions exposedwithin the slits. In this manner, the protection modules do notinterfere with the placement and removal of wires respectively into andfrom the plurality of slits and the selective electrical connection withthe plurality of front electrical contacts while the protection modulesare mounted on the upper surface.

Even more preferably, the top wall of the outside housing may include aplurality of rails partially extending downwardly therefrom andpartially into the interior chamber defined by the outer housing.Additionally, each protection module may include a top wall having arecess formed longitudinally therein. A respective rail of the pluralityof rails is receivable by a recess of a corresponding protection moduleto help hold the protection modules in place on the upper surface whenthe protection modules are slidably received in the interior chamber ofthe outer housing between the top wall thereof and the upper surface ofthe front or rear contact housing, or both.

Alternatively, the top wall of the outer housing may include a pluralityof first rails extending downwardly therefrom and at least partiallyinto the interior chamber of the outer housing, and the upper surface ofthe front or rear contact housing, or both, may include a plurality ofsecond rails formed thereon and extending upwardly therefrom and atleast partially into the interior chamber of the outer housing. Thefirst and second rails are preferably aligned with each other to atleast partially define slots between adjacent first and second rails.Respective protection modules are receivable within corresponding slotsdefined by adjacent first and second rails within the interior chamberof the outer housing. The first and second rails thus hold theprotection modules in place within the connector module.

Furthermore, each protection module may include a first protrusion and asecond protrusion. The first and second protrusions are spaced apart apredetermined distance from each other in a direction along thelongitudinal axis of the protection module. Additionally, the frontcontact housing may include at least one ridge which extends outwardlyfrom a surface thereof, such as the upper surface on which theprotection modules are mounted, and at least partially transverselyacross the width of the front contact housing. The first and secondprotrusions of the protection modules engage the ridge of the frontcontact housing when the protection modules are inserted into theinterior chamber of the outer housing. The first and second protrusionsand the ridge together provide an indication of the position of theprotection modules with respect to at least the front contact housingand, consequently, the state of electrical communication between theelectrical contacts of the protection modules and the front electricalcontacts and rear electrical contacts of the connector module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front isometric view of a connector module andassociated protection module formed in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom rear isometric view of the connector module shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top front isometric view of the connector module shown inFIG. 1 with a protection module formed in accordance with the presentinvention separated therefrom.

FIG. 4 is a bottom rear isometric view of the connector module shown inFIG. 2, with a protection module formed in accordance with the presentinvention shown separated therefrom.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector module shown in FIG.1, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector module and associatedprotection module shown in FIG. 1, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of a plurality of connectormodules formed in accordance with the present invention configured toform a connection block.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional illustration of a plurality of connectormodules formed in accordance with the present invention configured toform a building entrance terminal (BET).

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional illustration of a connector module andassociated protection module formed in accordance with the presentinvention and further illustrating an alternate configuration for aground connection used in the connector module of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theconnector module of the present invention, illustrating matingprojections and recesses on the protection module and connector moduleto help guide the protection module in place on the connector module.

FIG. 11 is a partial cut away, isometric view of a protection moduleformed in accordance with the present invention, shown mating with aconnection tab of the connector module.

FIG. 12 is a partial cut away, isometric view of the connector module ofthe present invention, showing the wire guides or channels which routethe side-fed telephone wires to their respective connection points.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a connector moduleformed in accordance with the present invention, and also illustrating acooperating protection module also formed in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 14A is an exploded top isometric view of the connector module andprotection module shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14B is an exploded bottom isometric view of the connector moduleand protection module shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partial isometric view of portions of the connector moduleand protection module formed in accordance with the present inventionand illustrates the interface between the protection module and theconnector module.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of portions of the connector module andprotection module shown in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are top plan views of alternative electricalcontact arrangements for the connector module shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theconnector module and associated protection module formed in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the connector module and protectionmodule shown in FIG. 18, taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20A is an exploded isometric view of the connector module andprotection module illustrated by FIG. 18.

FIG. 20B is an exploded isometric view of the connector module andprotection module illustrated by FIG. 18, with an alternate form of theconnector module from that illustrated by FIG. 20A.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E and 21F are front isometric views ofseveral applications of the connector module formed in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a connector module 1, formed in accordance withthe present invention, which can be inserted onto a mounting frame orthrough a panel as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The module includes ahousing, which is made of insulating material such as plastic. Thehousing includes a body portion 20, which includes a front cap 2 and arear cap 3 residing in different planes and offset from each other todefine a middle portion having a front facing surface 4 recessed fromthe front cap 2. The caps define the front and rear of the module, eachof which has a series of slits 12 and 13 to permit insertion of a wire,items 7 and 21. Each contact is aligned with a slit in one of the caps.Inserted wires make mechanical and electrical contact with the endportion of the contacts 16 and 17 (FIG. 5). Typically, wires 21 from thepermanent equipment cable are connected to the rear series of contacts17 and jumper wires 7 are connected to the front series of contacts 16.A wire support 14 (FIG. 2) can be used to fasten a cable or a pluralityof wires to the module to support these wires.

A series of protection modules or protectors 8, only one of which isshown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, can be installed as required. Protectors canbe of the single pair or multiple pair (magazine) type as is known inthe art.

A series of channels or guides 22 are provided, as more specificallyshown in FIG. 12, to guide the wires 7 from the side of the module tothe front of the module. The guides 22 keep the wires away from theprotector 8 so that the protector can be inserted and removed from themodule without the inconvenience of removing or moving the wires. Thewires 7 to be inserted into the front series of contacts 16 at front cap2 are inserted into side openings 5 in the module, which side openingscommunicate with respective guides 22. A pair of wires 7 is pushedthrough the guides and exits the guides through a series of openings 6near the front row of contacts. A separate guide 22 is provided for eachpair of wires. Each wire in the pair of wires is terminated to a contact16 adjacent to the other wire in the pair.

The recessed front facing surface 4 has a series of slits 10 to allowthe leads 15 (FIG. 3) of protector 8 to protrude into the housing tomake contact with the stem end 18, 19 of the contacts 16, 17,respectively (FIG. 5). This surface 4 is recessed sufficiently from thefront cap contacts such that the protection module 8 can be inserteddeep enough so as not to interfere with the insertion and removal of thewire 7 from the contact ends 16 and 17 (FIG. 5) and slits 12 and 13without the inconvenience of removing the module. A lug 40 having a borethrough the thickness thereof may be added to the protection module 8 tofacilitate removal of the protection module by using the hook of aconventional protection module removal tool commonly used in theindustry.

A ground bus 9 is provided when protectors of the type that requiregrounding are used. Connection tabs 11 are provided on the bus tointerface with each protector 8. Each tab 11 preferably protrudesperpendicularly from the major portion of the ground bus andelectrically engages a respective protector 8. A magazine type protectormay use the ground tabs 11 or use a ground external to the connectormodule.

The circuit is complete between the wire 7 connected to the front seriesof contacts 16 and the wire 21 connected to the rear series of contacts17 through a series of mechanical and electrical contact points 42 (FIG.5) when protectors are not installed. The circuit is complete betweenthe wire 7 connected to the front series of contacts and the wire 21connected to the rear series of contacts through a series of mechanicaland electrical contact points between the protector leads 15 (FIG. 6)and the stem ends 18, 19 of the contacts 16, 17, respectively, when theprotectors are installed.

FIG. 7 shows a plurality of connector modules 1 (also shown withprotection modules 8 in place) configured together on a backmount frame23 to form what is know in the art as a connection block or connectorblock.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of connector modules 1 (also shown withprotection modules 8 in place) configured together through a panel 24 ofan enclosure 25 to form what is known in the art as a building entranceterminal (BET).

FIG. 9 shows an alternate configuration for the ground connection tab 11engaging lead 15 of the protection module 8. This connection tab isshaped like a hook with a resilient free end that contacts theprotection module lead 15 to ensure a good electrical connection.

FIG. 10 illustrates another form of the connector module 1 andprotection module 8 of the present invention. The connector module mayinclude a series of parallel, spaced apart projections 27, preferablydovetail in cross-section, formed on the upper surface of body portion20 (on the side adjacent to recessed surface 4). The dovetailprojections shown in FIG. 10 may be split to form two halves, eachhaving one of the two side faces forming the dovetail. Each protectionmodule 8 may correspondingly include a recess 26, preferably dovetail incross-section, formed in its lower surface and extending longitudinallyalong its length. The projection 27 (or half projections) of theconnector module is received by a corresponding recess 26 formed in theprotection module as the protection module 8 is inserted onto theconnector module 1. The mating projections and recesses of the connectormodule and protection modules help guide each protection module in itsplace on the connector module so that lead 15 of the protection moduleis properly aligned with and received by a corresponding slit 10 formedin the recessed front facing surface 4, and so that each groundconnection tab 11 of the connector module is properly aligned with andreceived by a corresponding opening 28 formed in the end face of theprotection module's housing.

Although the projection 27 and recess 26 may be rectangular incross-section, or having a different shape, it is preferred that theyare dovetail in shape (as shown), “T”-shaped or the like so that theprotection modules are securely retained in place on the connectormodule when mounted thereon. Also, it is envisioned to be within thescope of this invention to reverse the locations of the projections andrecesses, such that the recesses 26 are formed in the body portion 20 ofthe connector module 1 and the projections 27 are formed on theprotection modules 8.

FIG. 11 shows the inside of the protection module 8 formed in accordancewith the present invention. One or more gas discharge tubes 44 (or otherdevices) are mounted on printed circuit board 46 situated within thehousing 48 of the protection module. Electrical contact 29 withresilient leaves is electrically in contact with the printed circuitboard (and the gas discharge tubes 44) and makes contact with groundconnection tab 11 of connector module 1 through opening 28 formed in anaxial end face of the housing 48. A portion of the printed circuit board46 preferably extends from the end face of the housing through anotheropening formed therein to define lead 15 which is received in slit 10 ofthe connector module 1 and which engages resilient electrical contactportions 18, 19 therein.

A further embodiment of a connector module and an associated protectionmodule formed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated byFIGS. 13-17. More specifically, the connector module 50 uses aprotection module 52 having electrical contacts 64 which protrude belowthe body or housing of the protection module. Each protection moduleslides into a respective groove 61 of a plurality of parallel groovesformed in a surface of the main body (also referred to herein as therear contact holder portion 59 and/or a front contact housing 60) of theconnector module 50. The connector module 50 includes sets of electricalcontacts, 56 and 66, 62 and 65, 63 and 67 and 57 and 68, whichelectrical contacts face each other and make contact with correspondingelectrical contacts on the protection module 52.

More specifically, and with reference now to FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C ofthe drawings, it will be seen that the electrical contacts of theconnector module 50 can be insulation displacement contacts (IDC), orconfigured for soldering to a printed circuit board or for wirewrapping. Furthermore, the contacts may be configured to be normallyopen or normally closed through the protection module 52. With referenceto FIG. 17A, front contacts 56 and 66 are shown as IDC-type contacts forthe jumper side of the connector module 50. Contacts 62 and 65 of thecooperating set of contacts are shown as normally open, IDC-typecontacts. When the protection module 52 is slid into a respective groove61 in the connector module, bent portions of contacts 56 and 66, and ofcontacts 62 and 65, of the connector module 50, which bent portions aredirected inwardly of the groove 61 and are exposed therein, engagecorresponding spaced apart electrical contacts 64 (FIG. 15) of theprotection module 52. Thus, with the two pair of electrical contactsillustrated by FIG. 17, an electrical path is provided from contact 66to contact 65 through the protection module 52, and similarly, anelectrical path is provided between contact 56 and contact 62 throughthe protection module 52, when the protection module is fully receivedby its respective groove 61 formed in-the connector module 50, andinserted between the connector module contacts 56 and 66, and 62 and 66.

In the arrangement of connector module electrical contacts illustratedby FIG. 17B, electrical contacts 63 and 67 are shown as normally closedIDC-type contacts, with contact 67 in electrical contact with contact66, and with contact 63 in electrical contact with contact 56, without aprotection module 52 being received between the electrical contacts.When a protection module 52 is received by a respective groove 61 formedin the connector module 50, it is slid between contacts 56 and 66 andcontacts 63 and 67. Bent portions of the contacts 63 and 67 and 56 and66 are directed inwardly toward the groove 61 and exposed therein sothat they will engage and electrically communicate with correspondingspaced apart contacts 64 (FIG. 15) on the protection module 52. As inthe contact arrangement shown in FIG. 17A, the protection module 52displaces contacts 56, 63, 66 and 67 from their original positions (whenno protection module is positioned between them) and moves contacts 63and 67 out of respective electrical communication with contacts 56 and66, thus interrupting the circuit between the contacts. An electricalpath between contacts 56 and 63 and between contacts 66 and 67 is nowprovided through the protection module 52.

FIG. 17C illustrates two pairs of cooperating contacts 56 and 57, and 66and 68, in a normally open configuration, in the same manner asdescribed with respect to the contacts 56, 66, 62 and 65 shown in theembodiment of FIG. 17A, except that contacts 57 and 68 are configured assolder or wire wrap contacts. The operation of these contacts would bethe same as described previously with respect to the pairs of contactsillustrated by FIG. 17A.

It should be further noted that, preferably, the contacts 56, 66, 62,65, 63, 67, 57 and 68 are angled at preferably a 45 degree angle withrespect to the plane in which the main body (i.e., the rear contactholder portion 59 and/or the front contact housing 60) of the connectormodule 50 resides.

Returning now to FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B of the drawings, it will be seenthat the connector module 50 includes an insulating housing thatpreferably includes a rear contact holder portion 59, which receives andholds in place the rear set of contacts 62, 65, 63, 67, 57 and 68, afront contact housing 60 which houses and holds in place the front setof contacts 56 and 66, and an outer housing 51 which is preferablybox-shaped with an open front face and which may be snap-fitted orsecured onto opposite lateral sides of the rear contact holder portion59 and/or the front contact housing 60 joined to the rear contact holderportion 59 (together defining the main body). The insulating housing ofthe connector module 50 may be formed as separate parts or may beintegrated into one single part. If IDC-type contacts are used for boththe front and rear contacts 56, 66, 63, 67, 62 and 65, such asillustrated by FIGS. 17A and 17B, then separate rear contact holderportion 59 and front contact housing 60 are preferably used. When outerhousing 51 is mated to rear contact holder portion 59 and/or frontcontact housing 60 in an overlying relationship, it defines between theupper surface of the contact holder portion 59 and/or the upper surfaceof the front contact housing 60 in which the grooves 61 are formed andits top wall, back wall and side walls an open pocket for receiving theprotection modules 52 therein when the protection modules are receivedby respective grooves 61 formed in the connector module 50. Morespecifically, the spacing between the top wall of the outer housing 51and the upper surface of the rear contact holder portion 59 and/or thefront contact housing 60 in which the grooves 61 are formed isdimensioned to be equal to or slightly greater than the height of theprotection module 52 so that the top wall of the outer housing 51engages the top surface of the protection module to hold each protectionmodule in place in a respective groove 61 in which it is received.

As can be seen from FIGS. 14A and 14B of the drawings, an electricalground 58 is provided as a primarily planar member having forked tabs120, pins or the like affixed thereto which protrude normally from theplanar member in the direction of the grooves 61 and protection modules52 received thereby so that the forked tabs or pins may make electricalcontact with a corresponding contact 102 (FIG. 15) of the protectionmodule 52. More specifically, each forked tab 120 has a space betweenthe extending forked portions thereof which at least partially receivesand makes contact with an electrical ground contact 102 of theprotection module.

The ground 58 for the protection modules 52 is located in the rear ofthe connector module 50, either inside the outer housing 51 or, morepreferably, on the outside of the back wall thereof, with the formedtabs passing through corresponding openings 122 formed through thethickness of the back wall and into the open pocket of the connectormodule to electrically engage ground contacts 102 of the protectionmodules 52. Each protection module 52 is inserted from the front of theconnector module 50 through the open face of the outer housing 51. Thejumper wires are inserted into the wire guides 69 (see FIG. 14B) whichare similar in structure to the embodiments described previously andshown in FIGS. 1 and 12, in particular. The side openings, whichtogether with the front openings communicate with the guide channels,are aligned with a slot 124 formed through the thickness of a side wallof the outer housing 51 to allow wires to be inserted therethrough.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B of the drawings, the protection module 52includes a carrier, substrate or printed circuit board 53, variouselectrical or mechanical protection components 54 mounted thereon, and ahousing 55 which is shown as including matable left and right halfportions. The carrier 53 for the protection module components may be aprinted circuit board, as mentioned previously, or a lead frame suitablefor holding and electrically connecting the protection components 54 toone another and to the ground 58 (through contact 102) and the contacts56, 57, 62, 63, 65, 66, 67 and 68 (through contacts 64). It should benoted that, although FIG. 15 shows contacts 64 and 102 on one side ofcarrier 53, these contacts are similarly located on the opposite side ofcarrier 53 in preferably the same locations as on the first-mentionedside depicted in FIG. 15.

As in the previous embodiment described in relation to FIGS. 1-12, thispresent embodiment of the connector module may include a plurality offront slits 126 and/or rear slits (not shown), with portions of thefront and/or rear contacts being exposed in corresponding slits. Eachslit receives a respective jumper wire which is inserted into it formaking contact with the exposed portion of the electrical contactaligned with the slit. Also, as with the previously describedembodiment, the upper surface of the connector module main body on whichthe protection modules rest and in which the grooves are formed isdimensioned in depth measured from the portions of the front contactsexposed in the slits backward toward the inside surface of the back wallof the outer housing 51 to be equal to or greater than the longitudinallength of each protection module 52 so that no portions of theprotection modules overlie the slits or exposed contacts therein so asnot to interfere with the insertion and removal of wires respectivelyinto and from the slits and front electrical contacts while theprotection modules 52 are properly mounted on the connector module 50.

It should be further noted that only one connector module 50 isillustrated by FIGS. 13, 14A and 14B. However, multiple insulatinghousings as described previously with respect to connector module 50 maybe integrated to form a higher pair count connecting block.

A further embodiment of a connector module 70 and cooperating protectionmodule 72, formed in accordance with the present invention, isillustrated by FIGS. 18-21 of the drawings. In this embodiment, theconnector module 70 accomplishes the service objectives without usingintegrated wire guides.

The connector module 70 includes an insulated housing having an outerhousing 71, a front contact housing 83 and a rear contact housing 84.More specifically, the outer housing 71 is rectangular or box-shaped andincludes preferably parallel top and bottom walls and opposite lateralside walls perpendicularly affixed to the top and bottom walls. Theouter housing 71 further includes a rear wall having a transverse loweropening through which is at least partially received the rear contacthousing 84, and an open front face opposite the rear wall. The frontcontact housing 83 is received through the open front face of the outerhousing 71 defined by the edges of the top and bottom walls and thelateral side walls and is at least partially received within a pocket orchamber defined interiorly of the outer housing 71 by the top and bottomwalls, the rear wall and the opposite lateral side walls. The oppositelateral side walls may include open slots 128 formed therein andextending from the front face and the rear wall inwardly of the outerhousing, which slots closely receive shoulders 130 formed on the lateralsides of the front contact housing 83 and the rear contact housing 84.The slots and shoulders cooperate to ensure that the front contacthousing 83 and the rear contact housing 84 are properly received andheld in place by the outer housing 71. Alternatively, an internal rib110 (FIG. 20A) may be formed on the inside surface of each lateral sidewall of the outer housing 71 to extend partially inwardly of the pocketor chamber, which ribs are preferably spaced a predetermined distanceabove the bottom wall of the outer housing 71. In such a version of theconnector module having ribs, the front contact housing 83 and the rearcontact housing 84 are at least partially received between the bottomwall of the outer housing 71 and each rib to ensure that the frontcontact housing 83 and rear contact housing 84 are held in place withinthe outer housing 71. The insulating housing of the connector module 70can be formed of the outer housing 71, front contact housing 83 and rearcontact housing 84 either as separate parts or integrated into a singleunitary part.

As can be seen from FIGS. 18, 20A and 20B of the drawings, a protectionmodule 72, formed in accordance with the present invention, ispreferably generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape and isreceived between the top wall of the outer housing 71 and the uppersurface of the front contact housing 83 and/or the upper surface of therear contact housing 84. The protection modules 72 slide in through theopen front face of the connector module 70 and are held in place withinthe pocket or chamber thereof. The spacing between the inner surface ofthe top wall of the outer housing 71 and the upper surface of the frontcontact housing 83 and/or rear contact housing 84 is such as to allowthe protection modules 72 to be received therebetween and to closelyhold the protection modules in place within the interior pocket orchamber of the outer housing 71.

The inner surface of the top wall of the outer housing 71 may include aplurality of spaced apart, parallel rails or guides 73 which projectinwardly of the pocket or chamber from the inner surface of the top wallof the outer housing 71. The rails or guides 73 are provided to helpalign each protection module 72 with the electrical contacts in theconnector module 70. As shown in FIG. 20, each protection module 72preferably includes a slot or recess 111 formed longitudinally along thelength of the top wall thereof, which slot or recess receives acorresponding rail or guide 73 when the protection module 72 is mountedin the outer housing 71 atop the front contact housing 83 and/or rearcontact housing 84. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the rails orguides 73 formed in the top wall of the outer housing 71, the uppersurface of the front contact housing 83 and/or rear contact housing 84may include a parallel arrangement of spaced apart rails 112 (FIG. 20B),adjacent rails partially defining slots in which respective protectionmodules are received and held in place. Furthermore, the rails or guides73 formed in the top wall of the outer housing 71 may be positioned suchthat they are in alignment with the rails formed on the upper surface ofthe front contact housing 83 and/or rear contact housing 84 and definetherewith a partial slot into which a corresponding protection modulemay be received. In such case, the slot 111 formed in the upper wall ofthe protection module housing may be eliminated.

The outer housing 71 of the connector module 70 may include resilientand deflectable arms 86 which extend outwardly from each lateral sidewall of the outer housing 71. The arms are provided so as to resilientlysnap into a panel, such as shown in FIGS. 21A-F, to allow the connectormodule 70 to be mounted thereto.

Preferably, a plurality of pairs of front electrical contacts 74, spacedapart and in parallel with each other, and a plurality of pairs of rearelectrical contacts 75, spaced apart and in parallel with each other,are mounted in the front contact housing 83 and the rear contact housing84 respectively. Such contacts, and their arrangement with each other,are illustrated by FIG. 19 of the drawings. A pair of front electricalcontacts 76 and a pair of rear electrical contacts 77, each contact ofeach pair being spaced apart from each other and positioned in aside-by-side relationship, project through openings formed in the lowerwall of the protection module housing to resiliently engage the pairs offront and rear electrical contacts 74, 75 of the connector module 70, asclearly shown in FIG. 19. The electrical contacts 74, 75 of theconnector module 70 have end portions which extend outwardly of thefront contact housing 83 and rear contact housing 84, respectively, sothat they are exposed and may be contacted by the electrical contacts76, 77 of the protection module 72. Contacts 76 and 77 on the protectionmodule are preferably resilient, curved leaf spring contacts which exertpressure on the corresponding electrical contacts 74, 75 of theconnector module 70 to ensure good electrical contact therewith.

As shown in FIG. 20A, the protection module 72 includes a carrier orsubstrate 79 on which the electrical or mechanical protection components80 are mounted, the protection components 80, and a housing formed ofmatable lower and upper housing portions 81, 82 respectively. Thecarrier or substrate for the protection module components may be aprinted circuit board or a lead frame suitable for mounting andelectrically connecting the protection components 80 to each other andto the ground 85, and to the contacts 76, 77 of the protection module72.

The ground 85 may be an elongated member which extends across the widthof the connector module 70 and which is substantially L-shaped incross-section. It includes an outwardly extending tab which is providedfor connection to a ground bus, and an inwardly bent portion which isreceived through an opening in the rear wall of the outer housing 71 andextends interiorly of the housing, a portion of which ground is exposedtherein so that a further electrical contact 78 of the protection module82 having a similar configuration to those of contacts 76 and 77 and atleast partially protruding through the lower wall of the protectionmodule may engage and make electrical contact with ground 85 when theprotection module is mounted in the connector module 70.

The upper portion 82 of the protection module 72 housing may include oneor more projections 130 which are received by slots formed in resilientarms or lugs 132 which extend upwardly from the bottom portion 81 of thehousing of the protection module to hold the upper and lower portions ofthe protection module housing together. A further arm or lug 134extending upwardly from the lower portion 81 of the protection modulehousing and spaced outwardly from the previously described arm or lugmay be used for grasping using a tool or one's fingers to facilitate theinsertion or removal of the protection module respectively into and outof the connector module 70.

A detent feature is provided to allow the protection module 72 to makeelectrical contact with a rear pair of electrical contacts 75 of theconnector module 70 that is wired to the central office or the likewithout making electrical contact with a front pair of contacts 74 thatare wired to the telecommunications equipment requiring protection. Morespecifically, the protection module 72 includes on the undersurface ofthe bottom walls thereof a pair of first and second protrusions 80, 106,which are spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance. A lipor ridge 108 running transversely across the upper surface of the frontcontact housing 83 projects upwardly in the direction of the downwardlyextending first and second protrusions 80, 106 of the protection module.The protection module 72, when inserted into the connector module 70,has its first protrusion 80 riding up and over the ridge 108 of theconnector module 70 so that the ridge 108 is in between the first andsecond protrusions 80, 106. The slight resistance caused by the firstprotrusion 80 meeting and riding up and over the ridge 108 when theprotection module is partially inserted into the connector module isfelt by the installer, and provides an indication that the protectionmodule is positioned with respect to the connector module such that therear electrical contacts 77 of the protection module are in contact andelectrical communication with the corresponding rear electrical contacts75 of the connector module and such that ground contact 78 of theprotection module is in contact and electrical communication with theground 85, without forward contacts 76 of the protection module being inelectrical contact with the corresponding forward contacts 74 of theconnector module 70. The installer may proceed with inserting theprotection module further into the connector module whereupon the secondprotrusion 106 contacts and rides up over the ridge 108 on the connectormodule 70 so that the protection module is fully received by theconnector module, and contacts 76, 77 and 78 of the protection module 72engage and make electrical contact with contacts 74, 75 and ground 85,respectively, of the connector module 70. It is envisioned that theplacement of the ridge 108 and protrusions 80, 106 may be reversed, withthe ridge on each protection module and a plurality of first and secondprotrusions being formed on the front contact housing 83.

As with the previously described embodiments, the front contact housing83 and/or the rear contact housing 84 of the embodiment of the connectormodule shown in FIGS. 18-21 may include a plurality of slits in whichare exposed portions of the front contacts 74 (or rear contacts 75) sothat wires may be inserted into the slits to make an electricalconnection with contacts 74 (or contacts 75). The insertion or removalof wires respectively into and from the slits and correspondingconnector contacts may be accomplished while the protection modules aremounted on the connector module. The upper surface of the front contacthousing 83 and/or rear contact housing 84 is dimensioned in depthmeasured from the exposed portions of the front contacts toward the rearcontact housing such that it is equal to or greater than thelongitudinal length of each protection module. In this way, no portionsof the protection modules overlie the slits or exposed portions of thecontacts in the slits, and the front contacts may be rewired without theneed to remove the protection modules from the connector module.

Typical applications of the connector module 70 formed in accordancewith the present invention are illustrated by FIGS. 21A-F of thedrawings. Such applications include a low pair count building entranceterminal (BET) 90 (FIG. 21E), a higher pair count BET 91 (FIG. 21B), alow pair count BET mounted on a No. 89D bracket 92 (FIG. 21A), a panelmount 93 (FIG. 21D) and an extra large BET rack 94 (FIG. 21F). Theassembled connector module, which is the same as that shown in FIG. 18,is illustrated by FIG. 21 C. Referring again to FIG. 18 of the drawings,the outer housing 71 may include a flange 114 extending partiallyoutwardly from the top wall, bottom wall and opposite lateral side wallsthereof to facilitate mounting of the connector module 70 to panels orbrackets such as described previously and shown in FIGS. 21A-F.

In each of the embodiments described previously, the connector module ofthe present invention has its front face in which the jumper wires totelecommunications equipment are attached. The front face in eachembodiment extends beyond, or more outwardly of, the axial end face ofthe protection modules which are mounted on the connector module. Thispermits the jumper wires to be removed, replaced or repositioned on thefront face of the connector module without the need to remove theprotection modules therefrom in order to gain access to the jumperwires. Furthermore, the protection modules are positioned to beinstalled on the same side of the connector module as the jumper wires,so that there is no need to gain access to the rear of the connectormodule, or connector blocks or the like formed from a plurality ofconnector modules, by the installer or technician when he is rewiringthe jumper wires on the connector module. Having the axial end face ofthe protection module recessed with respect to the jumper wire receivingslits on the connector module greatly facilitates the installer'sability to make changes to the equipment wiring on the connector moduleand allows for an efficient and cost effective procedure foraccomplishing such rewiring.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention.

1. A connector module for a telecommunications system, which comprises:a main body portion, the main body portion having a front cap and a rearcap opposite the front cap, the front cap and the rear cap residing indifferent planes and being elevationally offset from each other todefine a middle portion, the middle portion having a front facingsurface recessed from the front cap, the front cap defining the front ofthe connector module, and the rear cap defining the opposite rear of theconnector module, at least the front cap having a plurality of slitsformed therein, each slit of the plurality of slits being provided topermit insertion of a wire therein; and a plurality of first electricalcontacts at least partially disposed within the front cap of the mainbody portion, each first electrical contact of the plurality of firstelectrical contacts being aligned with a respective one of the pluralityof slits and having a portion thereof being exposed through therespective one of the plurality of slits to be electrically contactablewith a wire received by the respective one of the plurality of slits;wherein the main body portion has an upper surface for supporting aplurality of protection modules thereon between the front cap and thefront facing surface of the middle portion, the depth of the uppersurface between the front cap and the front facing surface of the middleportion being dimensioned to be equal to or greater than thelongitudinal length of the protection modules so that the protectionmodules, when supported on the upper surface of the main body portion,have no portion thereof overlying the plurality of slits formed in thefront cap and so as not to interfere with the placement and removal ofwires respectively into and from the plurality of slits and theselective electrical connection with the plurality of first electricalcontacts while the protection modules are supported on the main bodyportion of the connector module.
 2. A connector module for atelecommunications system as defined by claim 1, wherein the frontfacing surface of the middle portion has a plurality of openings formedtherein for receiving outwardly extending portions of the protectionmodules.
 3. A connector module for a telecommunications system asdefined by claim 1, wherein the front facing surface of the middleportion includes ground contacts extending outwardly therefrom for beingreceived by corresponding openings formed in the protection modules. 4.A connector module for a telecommunications system as defined by claim1, wherein the main body portion has a plurality of guide channelsformed therein for receiving respective wires for connection to theplurality of first electrical contacts.
 5. A connector module for atelecommunications system as defined by claim 4, wherein the main bodyportion further includes opposite lateral side walls; wherein at leastone of the opposite lateral side walls has formed therein a plurality ofside openings; wherein a plurality of front openings are formed in thefront cap of the main body portion, each front opening of the pluralityof front openings being situated in close proximity to the exposedportion of a respective first electrical contact of the plurality offirst electrical contacts and to a respective slit of the plurality ofslits; and wherein the side openings and front openings communicate withrespective guide channels to allow electrical wires to be received bythe side openings, guide channels and front openings for routing of thewires to the first electrical contacts at the plurality of slits formedin the front cap.
 6. A connector module for a telecommunications systemas defined by claim 1, wherein the protection module supporting surfaceincludes means for retaining the protection modules in place on thesupporting surface.
 7. A connector module for a telecommunicationssystem as defined by claim 1, wherein the protection module supportingsurface includes a plurality of projections extending outwardlytherefrom, the projections selectively lockingly engaging the protectionmodules positioned on the supporting surface to selectively secure theprotection modules thereto.
 8. A connector module for atelecommunications system as defined by claim 7, wherein the projectionshave a dovetail configuration in transverse cross-section.
 9. Aconnector block having a plurality of connector modules as defined byclaim
 1. 10. In combination: A connector module for a telecommunicationssystem having a main body portion and a plurality of first electricalcontacts, the main body portion having a front cap and a rear capopposite the front cap, the front cap and the rear cap residing indifferent planes and being elevationally offset from each other todefine a middle portion, the middle portion having a front facingsurface recessed from the front cap, the front cap defining the front ofthe connector module, and the rear cap defining the opposite rear of theconnector module, at least the front cap having a plurality of slitsformed therein, each slit of the plurality of slits being provided topermit insertion of a wire therein, the plurality of first electricalcontacts being at least partially disposed within the front cap of themain body portion, each first electrical contact of the plurality offirst electrical contacts being aligned with a respective one of theplurality of slits and having a portion thereof being exposed throughthe respective one of the plurality of slits to be electricallycontactable with a wire received by the respective one of the pluralityof slits, the main body portion having an upper surface for supporting aplurality of protection modules thereon between the front cap and thefront facing surface of the middle portion, the depth of the uppersurface between the front cap and the front facing surface of the middleportion being dimensioned to be at least equal to the longitudinallength of the protection modules so that the protection modules, whensupported on the upper surface of the main body portion, have no portionthereof overlying the plurality of slits formed in the front cap and soas not to interfere with the placement and removal of wires respectivelyinto and from the plurality of slits and the selective electricalconnection with the plurality of first electrical contacts while theprotection modules are supported on the main body portion of theconnector module; and a plurality of protection modules, each protectionmodule of the plurality of protection modules being selectively inelectrical communication with at least one first electrical contact ofthe plurality of first electrical contacts when the protection module issupported on the main body portion of the connector module, eachprotection module of the plurality of protection modules having alongitudinal length which is equal to or less than the distance betweenthe front facing surface of the middle portion of the connector moduleand the front cap of the connector module so as not to overlie acorresponding slit of the plurality of slits and so as not to interferewith the placement and removal of wires respectively into and from theplurality of slits and the selective electrical connection with theplurality of first electrical contacts while the protection modules aresupported on the main body portion of the connector module.
 11. Incombination: a connector module for a telecommunications system and aplurality of protection modules electrically connectable thereto, eachprotection module having a housing defining a cavity therein, a carrierat least partially residing in the housing, and protection componentsmounted on the carrier, the housing having a lower wall through which anextended portion of the carrier protrudes, the extended portion of thecarrier having exposed electrical contacts situated thereon, theconnector module including an insulating housing having a rear contactholder portion and a front contact housing joined to the rear contactholder portion, a plurality of rear electrical contacts at leastpartially housed by the rear contact holder portion, a plurality offront electrical contacts at least partially housed by the front contacthousing, at least one of the front contact housing and the rear contactholder portion having an upper surface and a plurality of grooves formedin the upper surface thereof, each groove being positioned in proximityto a respective front electrical contact and a respective rearelectrical contact such that portions of the respective front electricalcontact and rear electrical contact are exposed and extend partiallyinto the respective groove, a respective protection module of theplurality of protection modules being selectively mountable on the uppersurface of the at least one of the front contact housing and the rearcontact holder portion such that the extended portion of the carrierthereof is slidably receivable in a respective groove formed in theupper surface with the contacts on the extended portion beingpositionable in electrical contact with at least one of the frontelectrical contacts and with at least one of the rear electricalcontacts of the connector module, at least the front contact housinghaving a plurality of slits formed therein, at least one of the frontelectrical contacts of the plurality of front electrical contacts beingaligned with a respective one of the plurality of slits and having aportion thereof being exposed through the respective one of theplurality of slits to be electrically contactable with a wire receivedby the respective one of the plurality of slits, the upper surface onwhich the protection modules are mountable having a depth measured fromthe exposed portions of the front electrical contacts backward in thedirection of the rear contact holder portion which is particularlydimensioned to be equal to or greater than the longitudinal length ofeach protection module of the plurality of protection modules such that,when the protection modules are mounted on the upper surface, theprotection modules have no portion thereof overlying the plurality ofslits and the front electrical contact portions exposed within the slitsand so as not to interfere with the placement and removal of wiresrespectively into and from the plurality of slits and the selectiveelectrical connection with the plurality of front electrical contactswhile the protection modules are mounted on the upper surface of the atleast one of the front contact housing and the rear contact holderportion of the connector module.
 12. A combination as defined by claim11, wherein the front electrical contacts are arranged side-by-side todefine adjacent front electrical contacts; wherein the rear electricalcontacts are arranged side-by-side to define adjacent rear electricalcontacts; wherein each groove of the plurality of grooves formed in theupper surface of the at least one of the front contact housing and therear contact holder portion is positioned between respective adjacentfront electrical contacts and between respective adjacent rearelectrical contacts such that portions of the respective adjacent frontelectrical contacts and portions of the respective adjacent rearelectrical contacts are exposed and extend partially into the respectivegroove therebetween; and wherein the carrier of the protection moduleincludes opposite sides on which the exposed electrical contacts aresituated for electrically contacting the exposed portions of therespective adjacent front electrical contacts and the exposed portionsof the respective adjacent rear electrical contacts.
 13. A combinationas defined by claim 11, wherein the connector module further includes anouter housing joined to at least one of the front contact housing andthe rear contact holder portion and situated to at least partiallyoverlie the upper surface of the at least one of the front contacthousing and the rear contact holder portion, the outer housing having atop wall which is spaced apart from the upper surface a distance suchthat the plurality of protection modules is closely received between thetop wall of the outer housing and the upper surface.
 14. A connectorblock having a plurality of connector modules as defined by claim 11.15. In combination: a connector module for a telecommunications systemand a plurality of protection modules electrically connectable thereto,each protection module having a housing defining a cavity therein, acarrier residing in the housing, protection components mounted on thecarrier, and electrical contacts electrically connected to the carrier,the housing including a wall having openings formed through thethickness thereof, the electrical contacts being in electricalcommunication with the carrier and protection components mounted thereonand being situated to at least partially extend through the openingsformed in the wall to define exposed portions of the electricalcontacts, the connector module including an insulated housing having anouter housing, a front contact housing and a rear contact housing, theouter housing defining an interior chamber in which is at leastpartially received the front contact housing and the rear contacthousing, the outer housing having a top wall, and at least one of thefront contact housing and the rear contact housing having an uppersurface on which is mountable the plurality of protection modules, thetop wall of the housing and the upper surface of the at least one of thefront contact housing and the rear contact housing defining a spacetherebetween which is dimensioned to receive therein the plurality ofprotection modules, the connector module having a plurality of frontelectrical contacts and a plurality of rear electrical contacts, thefront contact housing at least partially housing the plurality of frontelectrical contacts, the rear contact housing at least partially housingthe plurality of rear electrical contacts, portions of the frontelectrical contacts and the rear electrical contacts respectivelyextending from the front contact housing and the rear contact housingand being exposed within the interior chamber of the outer housing todefine exposed contact portions, the exposed contact portions of arespective protection module electrical contact being contactable withthe exposed contact portions of respective front and rear electricalcontacts of the connector module when the respective protection moduleis received by the interior chamber of the outer housing, at least thefront contact housing having a plurality of slits formed therein, atleast one of the front electrical contacts of the plurality of frontelectrical contacts being aligned with a respective one of the pluralityof slits and having a portion thereof being exposed through therespective one of the plurality of slits to be electrically contactablewith a wire received by the respective one of the plurality of slits,the upper surface on which the protection modules are mountable having adepth measured from the exposed portions of the front electricalcontacts backward in the direction of the rear contact housing which isparticularly dimensioned to be equal to or greater than the longitudinallength of each protection module of the plurality of protection modulessuch that, when the protection modules are mounted on the upper surface,the protection modules have no portion thereof overlying the pluralityof slits and the front electrical contact portions exposed within theslits and so as riot to interfere with the placement and removal ofwires respectively into and from the plurality of slits and theselective electrical connection with the plurality of front electricalcontacts while the protection modules are mounted on the upper surfaceof the at least one of the front contact housing and the rear contacthousing of the connector module.
 16. A combination as defined by claim15, wherein the top wall of the outside housing includes a plurality ofrails partially extending into the interior chamber defined by the outerhousing; and wherein each protection module of the plurality ofprotection modules includes a top wall having a recess formedlongitudinally therein, a respective rail of the plurality of railsbeing receivable by the recess of a respective protection module of theplurality of protection modules when the respective protection module isslidably received in the interior chamber of the outer housing betweenthe top wall thereof and at least the upper surface of the at least oneof the front contact housing and the rear contact housing.
 17. Acombination as defined by claim 15, wherein the top wall of the outerhousing has a plurality of first rails extending downwardly therefromand at least partially into the interior chamber of the outer housing;and wherein the upper surface of the at least one of the front contacthousing and the rear contact housing includes a plurality of secondrails formed thereon and extending upwardly therefrom and at leastpartially into the interior chamber of the outer housing, respectivefirst rails of the plurality of first rails and respective second railsof the plurality of second rails being aligned with each other to atleast partially define slots between adjacent first and second rails,respective protection modules being receivable within correspondingslots defined by adjacent first and second rails within the interiorchamber of the outer housing.
 18. A combination as defined by claim 15,wherein each protection module of the plurality of protection modulesincludes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first andsecond protrusions being spaced apart a predetermined distance from eachother in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the protectionmodule; and wherein the front contact housing includes at least oneridge extending outwardly from a surface thereof and at least partiallytransversely across the width of the front contact housing, the firstand second protrusions of the protection modules engaging the at leastone ridge of the front contact housing when the protection modules areinserted into the interior chamber of the outer housing, the first andsecond protrusions and the at least one ridge together providing anindication of the position of the protection modules with respect to atleast the front contact housing and the state of electricalcommunication between the electrical contacts of the protection modulesand the front electrical contacts and rear electrical contacts of theconnector module.
 19. A connector block having a plurality of connectormodules as defined by claim 15.